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Millions of litres of sewage spills into sea

An investigation's underway after 17m litres of untreated sewage was pumped into the sea around Worthing and Lancing.

Southern Water said it happened when a power cut at its East Worthing pumping station overrode the back-up generators.

BBC

The company said the waste was released 3km out to sea, in order to protect homes and businesses from flooding, with teams patrolling the beaches to check for debris or waste.

BBC

In 2012 Southern Water had to pay almost £200,000 in costs, after 40m litres of untreated sewage was released into the same stretch of sea.

BBC

That's about enough sewage to fill seven Olympic-size swimming pools. Although it was discharged some way out to sea, I was first made aware of it by kite surfers. Whilst it may not have affected people bathing by the water's edge, it would have affected people who are out kite surfing."